Colorado and Florida Angling Team Wins Annual Islamorada SailFly Tournament

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Ten teams of two anglers each competed in the annual Islamorada SailFly Tournament, acclaimed as one of the Florida Keys’ toughest annual angling events, that ended Jan. 5 in Upper Keys waters.

Team Triple Threat raised 14 sailfish with seven teased, six bites and one fly removed to take the grand championship. Captain Matt Rabenstine of Tavernier, Florida, guided a team of two anglers — Jon Mueller from Evergreen, Colorado, and Islamorada’s Jake Turek. 

Rounding out their crew was Marissa Williams of Jupiter, Florida, and Islamorada’s Justin Matson and Hunter Clark, who provided assistance with baiting, teasing and other crew support.

In the tournament, fish are teased to the surface with live or artificial baits and anglers must then cast a fly in hopes of a hookup. Trolling with flies is not allowed.

Fifty points are awarded if the nail knot of the fly line is brought inside the tip at the top of the rod. One hundred and fifty points are scored if the fish is billed or taken in hand and the fly removed.

A total of 73 sailfish were raised and 42 teased, with 25 bites, six with flies removed and one released in the 2023 competition.

Tournament information: islamoradasailfly.com

Photo: Marissa Williams

Photo: Marissa Williams

This article was updated on December 15, 2023 at 5:43 PM
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